“Right, so you only would’ve recommended him if there wasn’t a bounty. I’m starting to question your judgment.”
“Says the woman who volunteered to work with the dragon-shifters and have a crap ton of hate thrown your way. Did you ever think of Mum and Dad?”
She took a step toward her brother. “I talked with Mum and she encouraged me to try working with Stonefire. Unlike you, she supports my choice of career.”
“Bloody hell, Jane, I support you. It’s only your recklessness I have a problem with.”
Jane pointed a finger at Rafe. “Your criticizing me isn’t going to change what happened. Let’s focus on the future.”
“Right, the future. From what I’ve heard, you might not have one if I don’t help.”
“I’m sure we could manage without you. I’m quite resourceful, if you remember.”
“Maybe,” Rafe answered. “But my skills would speed up the process of finding and capturing the dragon hunters.”
“We could find someone else,” Jane spit out.
“Ah, but would they be as skilled or trustworthy as me? You know I won’t fuck you over.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
Rafe shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter to me if I stay or go. I don’t have time to argue it out with you. If you want my help, then stay away from the dragonman.”
Jane raised her chin. “Don’t be daft. As if I would bow down to your ultimatum. If you don’t want to help, then leave. I’m not about to beg, Rafe Daniel Hartley. The door is over there. Use it if you wish.”
The silence ticked by for a few seconds before Rafe smiled. “I see that age has only made you stubborner. You’re not going to change your mind, are you?”
She answered dryly, “Right, I’m going to acquiesce to everything you say if you just scold me a bit more.”
Rafe walked up to her and lightly punched her in the arm. “I’m never going to stop trying.” His face turned serious. “One day your luck will run out and your recklessness will get you killed, Jane. If nothing else, think of Mum and Dad.”
“Really? You’re going to use our parents to make me feel guilty, again?” Rafe nodded and Jane sighed. “I forgot how irritating you are.”
The corner of her brother’s mouth ticked up. “But you know you love me anyway.”
“If you loved me, then you’d trust me to make my own decisions without barking orders.”
“As much as I’ve come to rely on a few dragon-shifters during certain operations, they’re different, Jane. The public targets them, and by extension you. I know they’ve been threatening you ever since you did the first interviews here. If you stay here for an extended period, word will get out and you’ll become a full-blown target,” Rafe replied.
Evie cleared her throat from her position in a chair at the side of the room. “I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. If I’m not mistaken, Jane called when the threats became reality and she needed your help, Rafe Hartley. If a bossy, overprotective brother is all she gets when she calls, then I wouldn’t expect her to call you again. If you’re so concerned, then help her. She clearly isn’t going to change her mind about staying just because you told her to.”
Rafe studied Evie a second and then answered, “I don’t know much about you and I’m not about to threaten a pregnant lady, but this is none of your business, miss.”
Evie raised her eyebrows. “Isn’t it?” Evie looked to Jane. “If something were to happen to Jane, then one of our clan members might become unstable. I say that bloody well is my business.”
Jane moved between Evie and Rafe. “Rafe, you’ve worked with dragon-shifters firsthand. Give Stonefire a chance before you judge them. That’s all they ask.”
Rafe met Jane’s eye. “I’m not judging them harshly, Jane. You’ve seen the attacks by both the Dragon Knights and the dragon hunters. Watching you report on them was bad enough, but to live with a clan of dragon-shifters is downright dangerous.”
Kai’s voice drifted into the room. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”
Jane hadn’t heard the door open, but Kai entered, with Bram right behind him.
Once Kai reached her side, he placed a gentle hand on her back and looked to Rafe. “I’m Kai Sutherland and I’m Stonefire’s head Protector. If you’re ready to make plans and strategize, then you’re welcome to stay. But if you’re only here to scold your sister, then you can leave. What will it be, Hartley?”
Jane held her breath as Kai and Rafe stared at one another. No doubt, they were sizing each other up. The question was whether Rafe could put aside his role as her big brother to help the dragon-shifters or not.
She waited and hoped her brother didn’t do anything foolish.
~~~
Kai had to give the human male credit. He didn’t so much as flinch, let alone look away from Kai’s gaze.
Still, as Kai rubbed circles on Jane’s lower back, he wouldn’t hesitate to banish the human if Rafe tried to take Jane away from him.
Rafe finally answered, “If staying here and helping you lot is what Jane wants, then I’ll help, provided it doesn’t do anything that might get me tossed out of the army.”
Bram’s voice filled the room. “Between Kai’s, Nikki’s, and your experience, Rafe, I’m sure we can make sure your career is safe.”
Rafe nodded. “Right, then let’s get down to business. I only have so much leave and I’d like to get this assignment done and spend some of it on a beach with a pint in my hand.”
Bram stood at Evie’s side and massaged her shoulder. “As much as I admire your ambition, this isn’t something that can be done in a matter of days.”
Jane interjected, “But if we don’t act, the former Carlisle-based dragon hunters will move again. It could take months to find them.”
Bram answered, “Aye, it could if we let them escape and had to start from scratch. But thanks to Rafe, we can monitor their activity from afar and bide our time for an attack.”
Kai frowned. “You want to let them move locations on purpose?”
Bram nodded. “Right now, between two of their members missing and Nikki’s shifting into a dragon, I bet they’re on high-alert. If they move, all whilst thinking they’re safe, they will let their guard down.”
Kai grunted. “That’s risky, Bram.”
Rafe chimed in. “Maybe, but it could result in a bloody big payoff.”
Kai looked to Rafe. “Say you tap your friends in the military and intelligence. Can we trust you to help when the time comes?”
“I always finish a job I start. Ask Jane.”
Jane murmured, “It’s true.” She patted Kai’s side and he looked down at her. Jane continued, “Waiting would work best for you, too. Not only because you’ll be healed, but you can hand-pick a team made up of both humans and dragon-shifters to plan the attack. Lochguard might even help, if Arabella asks Finn.”
Bram added dryly, “Or if I ask him.”
Kai grunted. “The longer we wait, the higher the risk the hunters or the Dragon Knights could come after you.”
Jane tilted her head. “I may not be much help with the hunters, but I have an idea about how to handle the remaining knights. Well, at least those in the UK.”
Bram spoke up. “This is the first I’ve heard of it, lass. What’s this plan of yours?”
Kai added, “I haven’t heard it either. Tell us.”
From the corner of his eye, Kai saw Rafe smile. He hated that the bloody human knew more about Jane than Kai. Had she told Rafe about her plans?
His dragon growled. One day soon we will know more than the brother. Just make sure not to scare her away.
Not willing to dignify his beast’s words with a response, Kai squeezed Jane’s hip. “Tell us, Janey.”
Jane tilted her head. “Well, I wasn’t going to say anything just yet, but now that it’s come up, I’ll mention it.” Jane looked to each person in turn as she continued, “Staying here means I will have to hand in my notic
e to the BBC.” Kai tried to protest, but Jane beat him to it. “No, it’s true. Interviewing members of Stonefire is one thing, but living with them is quite another.”
Kai interjected, “But what about your dreams of becoming an investigative reporter?”
Jane smiled up at him. “Oh, I’m not giving up on that. I’m just going to accomplish it on my own terms.”
Bram’s voice filled the room. “Then tell us your plan, lass, and quickly.”
Jane nodded. “Right, then. The knights like to post things on popular and obscure online hangouts. Sometimes with videos, sometimes with message boards. They always ask for information and tips about the dragon-shifters. If we have someone give them specific information, the knights would come to us.” She looked to Kai. “I’m sure you can think of ways to handle them from there.”
“The knights are clever with technology. They won’t take information from just anyone,” Kai stated.
“Of course not. But you forget, I’ve been working on stories about both the hunters and the knights for months now. I have someone monitoring and interacting with the online places of the Dragon Knights. Discreetly, of course.”
Evie jumped in. “That’s brilliant, Jane. Will that person be willing to help you, even if you’re no longer with the BBC?”
Jane bobbed her head. “They should.” She looked up at Kai and raised an eyebrow. “It means we’ll have to work together again. Are you going to keep your word and treat me as an equal?”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. A week ago, he would’ve been mortified to have a female call him out in front of Bram and a near-stranger. In the present, he couldn’t care less. “I might be able to swing it, provided you don’t go off and do something daft by yourself.”
Rafe took a step toward them. “I agree with the dragonman. Try to go off and take care of the Dragon Knights by yourself and I’ll hunt you down.”
Kai eyed Rafe and decided he and the human may get along after all. “If she does, I’ll be right beside you.”
Jane rolled her eyes. “Hello, I’m right here. I’m not sure if I should be irritated that you’re planning my rescue before I’ve done anything or offended that you just assume I’ll go off to take on the Dragon Knights all by myself.”
“I just want to make sure you’re safe, Jane,” Kai murmured.
Before his human could reply, Bram did. “The idea about the knights is promising, but I want you two to come up with a more detailed plan before any of it is put into motion. I’m not about to risk the clan.”
Kai grunted. “I would never put the clan in danger.”
“Good,” Bram replied. He looked to Rafe. “Before you leave Stonefire today, I want you to review all of the intelligence we have on the former Carlisle-based hunters. One of my Protectors, Zain, should have some new information this morning. Nikki can be your escort.”
Rafe answered, “You mean my babysitter.”
Bram smiled. “Call that to her face and see what happens. She’s young, but strong and she can shift into a dragon. Don’t forget that.”
Rafe grunted and a small part of Kai wanted to see how Nikki handled the human.
But he trusted Nikki Gray to do her job. Besides, Kai needed to visit Sid, see about his injury, and strategize with Jane about the Dragon Knights.
His dragon grumbled, If we’re cleared for sex, then we’re going to fuck Jane before strategizing.
We’ll see, dragon. The clan matters, too.
The knights aren’t our current threat. We’re safe on Stonefire. They can wait a day.
Kai tended to agree with his beast, but he wasn’t going to get his hopes up. Let’s see what Dr. Sid says first.
Kai looked to Bram. “Anything else? I need to visit the surgery.”
Amusement danced in his clan leader’s eyes. “I bet you do.”
Evie smacked Bram. “Don’t tease him.”
Bram looked down at his mate. “Why not? I’ve already lost the bet. I may as well make the most of it.”
Kai jumped in. “What bet?”
Evie shook her head. “Not now. Go to the surgery. We’ll watch Rafe until Nikki shows up.”
Jane snorted at Kai’s side and Rafe glared at his sister. Grinning, Jane said to her brother, “I can’t help it. The thought of anyone ‘watching you’ is hilarious. But, on the other hand, somewhat necessary. You get into far more trouble than me.”
Rafe growled. “Not now, Jane. Shut it.”
Jane shrugged. “Why not? I’m sure they’ve looked into your past. Kai here is quite thorough in his screenings.”
His female was teasing him. Kai couldn’t remember the last time someone had shared a private joke with him.
His dragon spoke up. She is unafraid of us. She is perfect. Hurry, so we can claim her properly.
Kai hugged Jane closer to his side. Ignoring Rafe’s glare, Kai looked to Bram. “We’ll contact you as soon as we have a rough plan.”
“Aye, I know you will. Although tomorrow is fine. Since the knights aren’t an immediate threat, there’s no rush.”
Kai knew his clan leader was hinting about Kai fucking Jane, but he wasn’t going to acknowledge it. He wasn’t a prude, but he also didn’t need Rafe Hartley challenging him over his sister.
It may be the twenty-first century, but he had a feeling Rafe didn’t care. Meeting Jane’s brother had put her sass into perspective; she’d needed it to stand up to her brother.
His dragon growled. Stop dawdling. Go to Sid’s. I want our human.
Kai looked to Rafe. “We’ll be in touch.” He paused, and then added, “Do what Nikki says or next time I’ll be the one to watch over you.”
Jane groaned at the same time Rafe narrowed his eyes and said, “Careful, dragonman. Don’t dismiss me just because I’m human.”
Before Kai could reply, Jane pushed against his side. “Let’s go before you two start a growling contest.”
Ignoring Bram and Evie’s smiles, Kai let Jane lead him out of the room.
~~~
Once they were outside, Jane smacked Kai’s good side. “You were antagonizing Rafe on purpose.”
“He was doing the same.”
She sighed. “I think once you two get past this I’m-more-alpha-than-you stage, you might actually get along.”
“You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”
She raised her brows. “It is, because then you’ll team up against me.”
The corner of Kai’s mouth ticked up. “If it keeps you out of trouble, then I’m all for it.”
Rolling her eyes, Jane pointed in the direction of the surgery. “Start walking. I want to make sure everything’s healing as it should.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
After a few strides, Jane looked up at Kai. “Sorry I didn’t tell you about my source monitoring the Dragon Knights. I never brought them up because nothing of importance has surfaced recently. And before you ask, there hasn’t been any chatter about me. I had no idea they had a reward for my capture.”
“Not even I think you’re daft enough to go into the heart of dragon-hater country with a price on your head. But one day, I will know everything about you, Jane Hartley. For now, I’ll let this one slide.”
“Let it slide, huh?”
His look turned heated. “You can make it up to me later.”
She wanted to scold him, but the desire in his eyes warmed her skin. If Sid cleared him for sex, Kai would be doing much more than giving her a look like he would devour her. No, he’d devour her slowly and make her beg.
She was both irritated and aroused by that thought.
Clearing her throat, Jane forced the images away. The last thing she needed was for Kai to scent her arousal and then walk around like a smug idiot. “I’m sure you’re holding out a secret or two from me, but those will have to wait. We need to think about the knights.”
Kai was quiet for a second before he asked, “Are you sure about turning in your notice to the BBC?”
Her heart
squeezed, just as it had done when she’d first said it. “Yes. They’ve been good to me over the last decade, but I think what I want to do will be too risky.”
“Are you really going to make me ask you what you have planned?”
She flashed a grin. “Maybe. I like making you ask for things, especially since you much prefer to order people around.”
“If I’m not careful, you’ll probably start ordering everyone around for me.”
“Of course. Whenever you’re sick or injured—because, let’s face it, you’ll be injured again—I can help fill in.”
“I’m not so sure my second-in-command, Aaron, would like that. You’ll have to work it out with him.”
“Well, I haven’t met him yet, but give me time.”
Kai chuckled. “You’re pretty brave, for a human.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I think I’m pretty brave even for a dragon-shifter.”
When all Kai did was shake his head, Jane decided to stop teasing him for a little bit. They were drawing nearer to the surgery and she wanted him to hear her idea. She hadn’t told anyone, not even her brother, and she wanted to share it with Kai first.
Jane nearly faltered at that thought. She’d only known him a few days. And yet, it was true—she wanted Kai to be the first to know about her plans. He wouldn’t just smile and nod. If it was a crap idea, he’d say so. And she needed that.
Moving closer to Kai, she wrapped an arm around his waist. “Back to my idea, do you still want to hear it?”
“Yes.”
She laughed. “Straight to the point as always.” Kai grunted and she put up a hand. “Okay, okay. I want to do a series of audio and video podcasts centering around your clan. The audio reports would be for those who don’t want to be recognized and we can even alter their voices, if need be. The video podcast would focus on certain aspects of dragon-shifter life and act as an introductory guide to understanding your kind. If Melanie Hall-MacLeod gives her blessing, I’d like to use her book as a starting point. After that, the possibilities are endless, especially if I can get Lochguard to participate, too.”
Reawakening the Dragon: Part Three (Stonefire Dragons Book 16) Page 5
